Wed., May 11th Fundraiser for Mark Niedergang, 5:30-7:30 at The Armory

I am writing to ask for your continued financial support for my work as the Ward 5 Alderman in Somerville and to invite you to join me, State Senator Pat Jehlen, and other friends at the Armory Café on Wednesday, May 11 from 5:30 – 7:30 pm for a re-election fundraiser.

I thank you for your previous help and support. I have worked closely with so many of you to help make Somerville the terrific community it is. Despite our success – or perhaps because of it – we face many challenges to continue to improve Somerville and to maintain the special place we have created here.

There are so many critical things going on in Somerville right now! That’s why I hope to continue to represent Ward 5 on the Board of Aldermen (BOA). The BOA will be making decisions in the next few years that will shape the future of Somerville for generations to come. Thank you for the opportunity to participate in and shape those decisions.

My #1 concern is affordable housing: unless our City government steps up with major initiatives, only wealthy people will be able to afford to live in Somerville, and the City will lose its heart and soul. So many people from diverse backgrounds are being forced out of this City they love! I am doing everything in my power to promote more affordable housing.

Other key issues are the redevelopment of Union Square; the Green Line and Community Path extension; Assembly Square; environmental issues (We passed a plastic bag ban which will go into effect this fall!); and bringing more good jobs to Somerville. I’m working hard on the key issue of zoning, which will determine what Somerville looks and feels like 10, 20, 30 years from now. The BOA has unique power and responsibility on zoning. I’ve helped produce proposals to change our zoning to generate more affordable housing, commercial development to create good jobs and tax revenue, and more green and open space.

Thank you again for your help and support. I hope you can contribute and can join me for a great time at the Armory Café on May 11th.